Christmas As Usual – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Christmas As Usual

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

48%

WISE Score

Norwegian meets Indian at Christmas in this paint-by-numbers rom-com that audiences found more cringe than cozy.

Christmas As Usual

movie

PG-13, 2023

48%

WISE Score

Norwegian meets Indian at Christmas in this paint-by-numbers rom-com that audiences found more cringe than cozy.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, the premise has potential: cross-cultural engagement, holiday chaos, family acceptance. But when a movie scores 30% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes and 2.1 out of 5 on Letterboxd, that's not a hidden gem—that's a miss.

This appears to be a formulaic holiday rom-com that takes an interesting premise (Norwegian-Indian cultural clash at Christmas) and executes it poorly, likely leaning on stereotypes and forced conflict rather than genuine warmth or insight. The 'chaotic' framing suggests more cringe than cozy.

If you're desperate for holiday content or specifically looking for representation of intercultural relationships, maybe give it a shot. But honestly? There are better ways to spend 90 minutes of your December. The ratings don't lie—audiences found this one skippable, and unless you have a specific reason to watch (family connection to the cultures, studying bad rom-coms), you probably should skip it too.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who enjoy rom-coms and can handle some awkward family dynamics. Adults might find it too formulaic and poorly executed based on the dismal audience scores—this isn't a hidden gem, it's just not very good.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A rom-com about cross-cultural family dynamics during the holidays has wholesome potential, but the 'chaotic Christmas' framing and mediocre audience reception (30% RT, 5.5 IMDb) suggest the execution leans more toward forced conflict than genuine warmth. Cultural clash comedies can model understanding, but without evidence this one does it well, the wholesomeness is likely surface-level.

Imaginative

A predictable premise—fiancé meets family, cultures clash at Christmas—offers little originality. This is paint-by-numbers holiday rom-com territory with no indication of creative storytelling, visual flair, or fresh perspective. The low Letterboxd rating (2.1/5) suggests viewers found it formulaic and uninspired.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting some mild content (likely language, adult themes, or romantic situations), but nothing shocking or traumatic. As a Netflix rom-com, it's unlikely to have graphic content, violence, or serious triggers. The cultural conflict angle might include stereotyping or awkward moments, but nothing that would constitute a safety concern.

Enriching

Cross-cultural stories can spark conversations about family traditions, identity, and acceptance—but only if done thoughtfully. The poor ratings suggest this film doesn't rise above shallow stereotypes or cheap laughs. There's potential for discussing Norwegian and Indian cultural differences, but the 'chaotic' framing implies more cringe than insight. Entertainment value appears low based on audience scores.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Cross-cultural family dynamics could spark conversations about traditions and acceptance
Holiday rom-com format is familiar comfort viewing for some
Shows an interracial/intercultural relationship in a mainstream holiday movie
Might resonate if your family has experience navigating cultural differences

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What to Watch For

Audience scores are rough—30% on RT, 5.5/10 on IMDb, 2.1/5 on Letterboxd—so manage expectations
Cultural clash comedy can veer into stereotyping or cringe humor rather than genuine insight
Rated 13+ by Common Sense Media, likely for some language or adult romantic content
The 'chaotic' framing suggests forced conflict over heartwarming resolution

Conversation Starters

"What traditions are most important to our family during the holidays?"
"Have you ever felt caught between different cultures or friend groups? How did you handle it?"
"What do you think makes a family welcoming to someone new?"
"If you could blend two different holiday traditions, what would you create?"

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